Childminder in Somerset

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is good

Children are very happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They develop close bonds with her and thoroughly enjoy the company of one another. They have a strong sense of belonging and are emotionally secure. Children's behaviour is exceptional. Whether they are finding out about hedgehogs or 'selling ice creams' from the outside shop, they play kindly and considerately together. They have an excellent understanding of how their behaviour can impact on one another's feelings.

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The provision is good

Children benefit from the childminder's broad curriculum and her high expectations of what they can achieve. Children have a positive attitude to learning. They enjoy daily opportunities to play outside, develop strong physical skills and learn about the environment and seasonal changes.

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The provision is good

The childminder has adapted her practice to help keep children and families safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as keeping parents informed about the latest protocols, the childminder asks parents to drop off and collect their children at the door, to minimise contact. She ensures good communication so that parents still feel fully involved in their children's learning. She regularly shares information about their children's progress and how they can support learning at home.

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need to do better?

n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills effectively. She introduces words such as 'squidgy' and 'slimy' as they play and explore different textures, to extend and build on their vocabulary. n The childminder uses her good teaching skills and activities to build on what children already know and can do. For example, as children roll different-shaped conkers along guttering, the childminder encourages them to guess which ones will move the quickest or slowest and to think about the reasons why. n Children develop a love of books and stories. They are naturally curious and enjoy learning about the natural world. The childminder nurtures children's interests as she uses books as a point of reference with children to find out about and explore nature. She extends children's learning successfully as they learn about hedgehogs, dormice, bats and hibernation. n The childminder is clear about what she intends children to learn next and plans

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need to do better?

a wide range of activities based on their individual interests. For example, she provides watercolour palettes to encourage children's creativity and artistic flair. Children learn to mix colours and enjoy using different-sized paintbrushes with water or paint, to experiment making different marks. n The childminder organises play areas well to support different aspects of

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need to do better?

17 November 2021 children's learning. This includes opportunities for them to cuddle up on the sofa to read books, and open spaces outside to move around freely to support their physical development. n Children enjoy singing songs about spiders and falling leaves. They make boxes from different-shaped magnetic pieces to put small animal figures in. During the inspection, children played outside and made links to their learning as they observed the leaves falling from the trees in the childminder's garden. However, the childminder does not fully support children to count, use numbers or identify shapes, to build on their mathematical skills further. n The childminder works well in partnership with parents. Parents comment on how happy their children are and are highly complimentary of the care their children receive. They appreciate the support and guidance they receive from the childminder regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

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need to do better?

n Children demonstrate high levels of focus and self-control. They have an excellent understanding of expectations for behaviour. They are extremely kind and considerate to one another and their play is inspirationally harmonious. n The childminder continually reflects on her practice and monitors the quality of her provision to make ongoing improvements. For example, she provides a lot of play opportunities outside for the children to enjoy and appreciate their environment and to support their curiosity of the natural world. n The childminder supports children well to learn about the importance of healthy lifestyles and to develop their independence skills. For example, they chop up fruit at snack time and spread butter on their crackers. They learn to dress themselves for outside play and wash their hands before mealtimes.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and her role and responsibilities to keep children safe. She understands the wider aspects of safeguarding and the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child's welfare and safety. She maintains safe and secure premises for children, using risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards appropriately. The childminder teaches the children how to keep themselves safe. For example, she teaches children how to climb down the ladder safely outside.

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should:

n implement additional strategies to support children in counting, using numbers, identifying and naming shapes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 142126 Local authority Somerset Inspection number 10210555 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 5 October 2016

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1996 and lives in a rural location, close to the village of Buckland St Mary, Somerset. She operates from Tuesday to Thursday for most of the year.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises. She discussed her intentions for children's learning and the curriculum that she provides. n The inspector took account of parents' views by reading their written feedback. n The inspector spoke to the children during the inspection. n Relevant documentation was reviewed by the inspector.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

17 November 2021 17 November 2021 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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